Forever (Time for Love Book 1) by Miranda P. Charles Page B

only the back of his head, was a good thing, too—relatively speaking.
    He ordered his food and sat back, glancing forlornly at the group every now and again. He didn't even pretend to be doing anything else. He didn't care if he looked lonely sitting there. The more that Rebecca noticed he was sad about the whole situation, the better. He wasn't acting to gain her sympathy, either. He was just wearing his heart out on his sleeve so she'd believe that he really cared.
    If someone in that place recognised him, it would probably seem funny to find the CEO of The Carmichael Corporation sitting in a burger joint looking like a heartbroken teenager pining for a girlfriend someone had stolen from under his nose. And he didn't care.
    His food came and he picked at it. How the hell could he get Rebecca to spend some alone time with him? How could he get her to go out on a date? He'd love to take her to the movies, or the theatre, even to one of the trivia contests the ship ran from time to time. And it would be bliss to enjoy some onshore excursions with her in the cities where they'd be docking.
    There were still three weeks to go till the end of the cruise, and he'd hate—absolutely hate—for Alix to have opportunities with Rebecca instead of him. It would be so easy for Alix to spend every day with Rebecca on this holiday.
    The more he pondered, the more morose he became. Rebecca only wanted to talk after they left the ship. What if something developed between her and Alix between now and then?
    "Excuse me," a female voice said, making him look up.
    "The place is kind of full," the pretty woman said, "and the only available tables are the big tables for six. I was wondering if you don't mind me sharing your table? I'm supposed to have dinner with my sister, but she's not feeling well."
    Zach opened his mouth to decline, not wanting to give Rebecca any reason to think he was flirting with another woman. But he was a gentleman, and the woman wasn't exactly batting her eyelashes at him.
    "Sure," he answered, standing up and pulling out a chair for her.
    "I'm Nicky, by the way."
    "I'm Zach," he answered, shaking her hand as he sat back down. He glanced at Rebecca and found her laughing out loud. No doubt Alix was delivering one of his famous jokes again. It depressed him.
    "I don't want to be nosy, but are you okay?" Nicky asked. "Or would you prefer to be alone? I don't mind moving to another table."
    "No, no," he said with an apologetic smile. "Sorry. I don't mean to be bad company."
    Nicky chuckled. "Well, considering I forced myself on you, you shouldn't be apologising."
    He sighed. "Just having a bad day, I guess."
    A server came to take Nicky's order and he resolved to at least be companionable. He started a conversation and tried his hardest to pay attention, even though his eyes wouldn't cooperate. They kept on swerving Rebecca's way.
    "Um, Zach," Nicky said. "I happen to notice you keep on looking over there. You've got it bad for that girl in yellow, don't you?"
    He snickered, hiding his embarrassment. "Am I that obvious?"
    "You look so lovesick I feel sorry for you," Nicky teased.
    He sighed deeply. "She's my ex. Right now, she's not talking to me, and the guy opposite her wants her for himself."
    "Oh, sorry about that. That sucks. Why did you break up, if you don't mind me asking?"
    "Because I'm a complete idiot."
    "Oh, right. Well, if it makes you feel any better, I think most men are."
    "Gee, thanks," he said with a laugh.
    "So have you told Miss Yellow over there how sorry you are?"
    He felt a painful pinch in his heart. "I have, and she doesn't believe me."
    "Oh, Zach. I'm sorry. I'm turning out to be a rather depressing dinner companion, aren't I?"
    He smiled. "Hey, don't feel sorry. I haven't exactly talked to anyone about this and it helps."
    "Haven't you? See, here's another thing about you men. Why is it so hard for you guys to talk about your feelings?"
    Zach continued his conversation with Nicky, grateful for